[August 20, 2006]

Catoosa may restudy impact fee plan

(Chattanooga Times (Free Press, TN) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Aug. 20--RINGGOLD, Ga. -- Catoosa County commissioners rejected an impact fee proposal in February, but may revisit the issue in 2007, Chairman Bill Clark said.

"I hope to take another look at impact fees after January 1," he said. "Changing conditions can change opinions and votes over time."

One changing condition could be that there'll be at least one new face on the County Commission in 2007, "depending on election results in November," Mr. Clark said.

He was the lone supporter of the revenue plan earlier this year. The majority later passed a hefty property tax increase.

Commissioner James Emberson said he has an open mind on the issue, but would want to see some changes before he'd seriously consider a change in his vote.

After many months of study, a proposal set the onetime impact fee on new residence at $1347, paid when the building permit is issued. The fee would be passed from the builder to the home buyer. There were also substantial fees set for new business and industry.

Mr. Emberson said he'd be more willing to support an impact fee if the revenues could be used for a broader spectrum of services, including schools, and if the fee would be levied inside the cities too.

"I understand the state legislature may look at letting it apply to schools," he said, and, "Ringgold and Fort Oglethorpe must agree to be included."

Mr. Clark said too much of the cost of new growth is on the backs of current residents. He said a newcomer can buy a lot in January and build a new home, but it is still taxed as a vacant lot when taxes are paid in December.

"That individual doesn't pay property taxes on the house until the next December," he said. "That family can receive county and education services for almost two years before contributing much to the tax base. It's current residents and taxpayers versus new people."

Commission District 4 Republican nominee DeWayne Hill said he will study the issue. "I would want to go out in the district and see what the residents want if this issue comes up for consideration."

District 4 Democratic nominee Chris Scott said commissioners who voted against an impact fee did not want to go against developers.

"Maybe I shouldn't say anything that might hurt me politically," he said. "Oh well, no developers or builders have given a dime to my campaign. (The commission) can't or shouldn't spend it if you don't have it. Being significantly in debt shows a lack of management."

District 2 Commissioner Bobby Winters, a Republican facing Nov. 7 opposition from former Commissioner Pat Page, the Democratic nominee, voted against the fee and said, "I'm still happy with the decision and vote I took."

Mrs. Page said she is opposed to the impact fee as structured.

"If we want to have an industrial park, the fees will be too high to attract commerce and industry," she said, adding there is no such fee in Whitfield, Walker, Gordon or Dade counties. "There are so many things on which this fee may not be used. If it won't work for us, why do it?" As for Commissioner Ken Marks, "That issue is over, as far as I'm concerned."

"It's not a good deal for the county. There is no doubt the cities must agree to come on board first. I don't see that happening," he said. "Why waste time heading down a long road without their commitment."

E-mail Ronnie Moore at ronniem@timesfreepress.com FAST FACTS An impact fee is a one-time charge paid by the owner for new construction.

The revenue helps offset the cost of providing more services.

A fee for commercial or industrial construction is based on size.

An impact fee may not be used for education under current Georgia law.

Copyright (c) 2006, Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Tenn.
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